Osun Accord Berates APC Over Comments on Alleged Attack on Ataoja
By Waliu Adetokun, Osogbo
The Osun State chapter of the Accord Party has condemned the reaction of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the alleged assassination attempt on the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji, describing the opposition party’s comments as disrespectful to the traditional institution and the people of Osogboland.
In a statement issued on Sunday and signed by its State Chairman, Pastor Victor Akande, the party expressed concern over what it called the APC’s decision to question the monarch’s account of the incident instead of sympathising with him.
“We are shocked that the Osun APC, instead of commiserating with the highly revered monarch, is questioning the veracity of the assassination attempt as narrated by the royal father. This is an outrageous desecration of the palace of the Ataoja of Osogboland,” the statement read.
The party accused the APC of trivialising a serious security incident and failing to show due respect to the traditional ruler and the people of Osogbo.
“Rather than committing to calling its thugs to order to stop harassing Osogbo residents, the Osun APC found pleasure in joking about an incident that nearly took the life of the monarch. This is an unpardonable affront and insult to the sons and daughters of Osogboland,” Akande stated.
The Accord Party further said it had expected the APC to show greater regard for Osogbo and its people, particularly given the presence of prominent party leaders from the town.
“We had expected the Osun APC to respect its chieftains, including its National Secretary, who is from Osogbo. But this was not to be. The opposition party has taken its misconduct from the public space to the monarch of the capital city of Osun,” the statement added.
The party called on the APC to withdraw the statement, which it described as insulting, and urged the Osun State Police Command to strengthen security around the palace and across the state.
Accord also sympathised with the Ataoja and others affected by the incident.
“On behalf of Governor Ademola Adeleke, we convey our condolences to the royal father and all the victims. We pray for God’s continuous protection over our revered monarch and for lasting peace across the state,” the statement concluded.